Some simple advice on the care of roses...

Planting

Dig a hole a little deeper than the container and twice as wide; the bud union should be slightly above ground level.

AVOID PUTTING FERTILIZER IN THE BOTTOM OF THE HOLE, only well rotted compost.

AVOID TEASING THE ROOTS, place the rose straight into the hole.

Water well, fill in hole and tread firmly around the plant.

Plant bushes roses not less than 80 cm apart and for standards not less than 100 cm apart.

Roses need an open, sunny position, protected from winds. They can tolerate a few hours shade.

Pruning

If are you buying your new roses in the winter they will still need pruning as well as any established ones you may have. Prune just before the spring growth commences, in most areas around mid July. Prune your new rose preferably to an outward bud.

Existing Roses

In all roses you must completely remove all old wood and spindly growth.

Treat standard roses the same as bush roses.

Climbers are pruned in a similar manner except that the younger strong shoots are not shortened back, but attached to the fence to spread out as evenly as possible. Old growth and unwanted branches should be removed.

Use pruning paint on bigger cuts.

Spraying

Apply a winter spray 1 week after pruning using EITHER Lime Sulphur OR White oil plus Copper Oxychloride.

Spray regularly with a recommended spray for insecticides and fungicides.

Alternate your spray programme.

Always read the instructions carefully and carry out all the safety recommendations.

PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE.

Feeding

During spring cover the surface of your rose bed with peat or well-rotted organic material, including mushroom compost. Apply a balanced rose fertiliser September, November and January.

Always follow the instructions on fertiliser bag.

Careful pruning, watering and most importantly feeding will encourage a healthy rose. If problems occur, consult with your local garden outlet for the best advice.